Calvin Lee Grimes, 70, of Nebo, IL passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Friday, April 24, 2020. He was born on May 29, 1949, in Pittsfield to Velva (Benz) Grimes and the late Leo Grimes. He married Debra Lou Taylor on May 28, 1983 at Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield, and she survives.

Calvin graduated Pittsfield High School in 1967 and continued his education at Hannibal-LaGrange College. Calvin was a selfless man who always helped his family, friends, and neighbors. He was an avid outdoorsman with a mountain-man demeanor and shared his love for the outdoors with anyone that was willing to learn. A few of his favorite things in life were hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and woodworking. He was a deer hunter since Pike County had a deer season and taught his friends and family, kids and grandkids, how to hunt. He spent many years at the Pittsfield Lake where he conducted the Creel Survey for the IDNR and made hollow log birdhouses that posed as a natural habitat for his favorite birds. His most favorite thing of all was to tell a tall tale or give a history lesson to his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debra Lou and his mother, Velva, of Pittsfield, IL; two sons: Levi and Ashley Grimes and their children, Raeanna, Natilee, and Jathan; and Luke and Jennifer Grimes, and their children, Kaitlyn, Josie, Jesse, Jake, and Jack; three stepsons: Jeremiah and Marialyn Hawkins of Bluffs, IL and their children, Shella, Cheylene, Amber, and Shia and their grandchildren, Amiah, Shaylyn, Elijah, Karter, and Kayden; Jason and Jenny Hawkins of Birmingham, AL and their children, Erica, Jordan, Justin, Emma, Isabella, and Bailey and their grandchild, Kamila; and John Hawkins of Pittsfield, IL; three sisters: Beverly (David) Dawdy of Jacksonville, IL, Zona (Stephen) Taylor of Mobile, AL, and Wava (Jim) Riley of Vonore, TN; and seven nieces and nephews, Jeff, Belinda, Tina, Jackie, Brandon, Emily, Jared.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Grimes.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date and cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials are suggested to be made to City of Pittsfield Lake Donation. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Charitable donations may be made in Calvin's memory to the following organization:

Debbie, I was so sorry to see this. I am thinking about you, and will keep you in our prayers. Rachel

Jason and Belinda (Dawdy) Hoke, Caleb and Sarah

Posted Tue April 28, 2020

I have many fond memories of Uncle Calvin. I remember most his laugh and the many animals he shared with us all. He will be missed.

Scott Smith

Posted Tue April 28, 2020

I was so sorry to learn of Calvin's death. He was a friend throughout my grade school and high school years. He was a great person. My condolences to his family.

Maurice Neese

Posted Wed April 29, 2020

Blessings upon the family who said goodbye too early. So glad that Steve and I had a chance to meet the family and say goodbye to a friend who shared many memories of growing up together in the Nebo, IL area. Rest in peace, Calvin!

Edee and George Hermens

Posted Wed April 29, 2020

Drbbie and family, We just read that you have lost your beloved husband , father and grandfather. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.We are so sorry and shocked to hear this. George and Edee Hermens

Charles Duane Ashley, Ember &Aurora

Posted Wed April 29, 2020

Dear Aunt Debbie and Cousins, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time .

Larry McCann

Posted Wed April 29, 2020

My sympathy to Calvin's family. So sad to learn of his passing. I have fond memories of growing up down the road from the Grimes family. God bless you all.

Floyd Hamilton

Posted Wed April 29, 2020

We are so saddened by the untimely death of our nephew Calvin Grimes. Calvin was truly a mountain man at heart. When visiting his home, one would be led to see the many animals and various fruits and vegetables at his small farm. Calvin did know how to live off the land, and did teach his family those valuable traits. Calvin was never happier than when he was in harmony with nature, and spent many days and weeks pursuing that dream.
Calvin also became a master truck driver, though truth be known, he would rather have been in the woods, close to the nature that he loved.

Amy (Amelia Benz Hamilton) and I send our sincere condolences to the Grimes family that Calvin held so close. Calvin will be sorely missed.

Speedy & Joan Moffit

Posted Wed April 29, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Calvin’s passing! Our thoughts & prayers are with Debbie & the whole family!

Kimberly (Benz) Quinn

Posted Wed April 29, 2020

Dear Ones,
Our love and prayers continue with you as you grieve the loss of Calvin. I am thinking of you often and look forward to when we can celebrate his life together as a family.
Love, Brian, Kim, Abigail and Connor Quinn

Brenda Christianer

Posted Wed April 29, 2020

Dear Debbie,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your loved one. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in knowing that Calvin is in a "much better place".
May God Bless,
Your friends,
Brenda and David